Abstract: The present invention provides a optoelectronic device having a surface periodic grating structure and a manufacturing method thereof, which includes: a substrate; a multi-layer semiconductor structure layer formed on the substrate; and a periodic grating structure layer embedded in the multi-layer semiconductor structure layer by etching based on optimized parameters. A direction of an incident light to the optoelectronic device is changed to be resonant to the multi-layer semiconductor structure layer to enhance optoelectricity of the optoelectronic device. The method includes: (1) providing a substrate; (2) forming a multi-layer semiconductor structure layer on the substrate; (3) selecting parameters to perform a design for a periodic grating structure layer on a surface of the multi-layer semiconductor structure layer; and (4) forming the periodic grating structure layer embedded in the multi-layer semiconductor structure layer by etching.

Abstract: An electrical component, and method of making the component, includes a metallic article having a plurality of elongated elements that are configured to serve as electrical conduits for a photovoltaic cell. The elongated elements are interconnected such that the metallic article forms a unitary, free-standing piece. An elongated element in the plurality of elongated elements has an expansion segment along its length.

Abstract: A HIT solar cell is provided, including a p-type crystalline silicon substrate having a light-receiving surface, a first intrinsic amorphous silicon thin-film layer formed on the light-receiving surface of the p-type crystalline silicon substrate, an n-type amorphous oxide layer formed on the first intrinsic amorphous silicon thin-film layer, and a first transparent conductive layer formed on the n-type amorphous oxide layer. In the HIT solar cell, the n-type amorphous oxide layer can be directly formed, without forming the first intrinsic amorphous silicon thin-film layer, and the n-type amorphous oxide layer can be divided into an n?-type amorphous oxide layer and an n+-type amorphous oxide layer that are formed sequentially.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emitter wrap-through solar cell and a method for preparing the same. The solar cell according to the present invention has a structure that may minimize generation of leakage current and minimize energy conversion efficiency measurement error. And, the preparation method of a solar cell according to the present invention may easily confirm the alignment state of the electrode, and thus, provide more improved productivity.

Abstract: Production of a silicon wafer coated with a passivation layer. The coated silicon wafer may be suitable for use in photovoltaic cells which convert energy from light impinging on the front face of the cell into electrical energy.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate; a back electrode layer on the substrate; a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer; and a buffer layer on the light absorbing layer. A first through hole is formed through the back electrode layer, a second through hole is formed through the buffer layer and the light absorbing layer, and the first through hole is overlapped with the second through hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a glass frit and a composition for solar cell electrodes including the same. The glass frit includes lead oxide (PbO) and boron oxide (B2O3) in a weight ratio of lead oxide to boron oxide of about 1:0.075 to about 1:1, wherein a mixture of the glass frit and aluminum (Al) powder in a weight ratio of about 1:1 exhibits a phase transition peak in the range of about 400° C. to about 650° C. on a cooling curve obtained via TG-DTA analysis, measured after heating the mixture to 900° C. at a heating rate of 20° C./min, holding for ten minutes, followed by cooling the mixture at a cooling rate of 10° C. The composition can provide stable efficiency given varying surface resistance and minimize adverse influence on a p-n junction.

Abstract: A photovoltaic solar cell is described that, according to one example embodiment, includes a semiconductor light absorbing layer and a dielectric stack on at least one of a front side of the light absorbing layer or a back side of the light absorbing layer. The dielectric stack includes a tunneling dielectric layer being sufficiently thin for charge carriers to tunnel across, and an overlaying dielectric layer being a different material than the overlaying dielectric. The solar cell also includes an electrically conductive contact physically contacting the overlaying dielectric. The electrically conductive contact and the overlaying dielectric together have either a work function suitable for selective collection of electrons that closely matches a conduction band of the light absorbing layer, or a work function suitable for selective collection of holes that closely matches a valence band of the light absorbing layer.

Abstract: A back contact solar cell is described which includes a semiconductor light absorbing layer; a first-level metal layer (M1), the M1 metal layer on a back side of the light absorbing layer, the back side being opposite from a front side of the light absorbing layer designed to receive incident light; an electrically insulating backplane sheet backside of said solar cell with the M1 layer, the backplane sheet comprising a plurality of via holes that expose portions of the M1 layer beneath the backplane sheet; and an M2 layer in contact with the backplane sheet, the M2 layer made of a sheet of pre-fabricated metal foil material comprising a thickness of between 5-250 ?m, the M2 layer electrically connected to the M1 layer through the via holes in the backplane sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PVD”) and method of use, more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with an integral locator and electrical terminal mechanism for transferring current to or from the improved photovoltaic device and the use as a system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing asolar cell includes texturing a front surface of a semiconductor substrate having a first conductive type dopant by using a dry etching method, forming an emitter layer by ion-implanting a second conductive type dopant into the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, forming a back passivation film on a back surface of the semiconductor substrate; and forming a first electrode electrically connected to the emitter layer and a second electrode being in partial contact with the back surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides an optoelectronic device comprising a porous material, which porous material comprises a semiconductor comprising a perovskite. The porous material may comprise a porous perovskite. Thus, the porous material may be a perovskite material which is itself porous. Additionally or alternatively, the porous material may comprise a porous dielectric scaffold material, such as alumina, and a coating disposed on a surface thereof, which coating comprises the semiconductor comprising the perovskite. Thus, in some embodiments the porosity arises from the dielectric scaffold rather than from the perovskite itself. The porous material is usually infiltrated by a charge transporting material such as a hole conductor, a liquid electrolyte, or an electron conductor. The invention further provides the use of the porous material as a semiconductor in an optoelectronic device. Further provided is the use of the porous material as a photosensitizing, semiconducting material in an optoelectronic device.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device of the present invention has high energy conversion efficiency, even if the amount of iodine added into the electrolyte solution is significantly reduced. The dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device has a porous photoelectrode layer comprising dye-sensitized semiconductor particles, an electrolyte solution layer, and a counter electrode layer in order. The electrolyte solution layer comprises an electrolyte solution containing 0.05 to 5 M of an aliphatic quarternary ammonium ion, 0.05 to 5 M of an imidazolium ion, and 0.1 to 10 M of iodide ion. The ions are dissolved in an organic solvent. Consequently, the amount of iodine added into the electrolyte solution can be reduced significantly.

Abstract: Provided is a silicon solar cell including a first electrode, a lower light absorption layer disposed on the first electrode, an upper light absorption layer disposed on the lower light absorption layer, and an intermediate reflector layer provided between the lower light absorption layer and the upper light absorption layer. The intermediate reflector layer includes copper oxide.

Abstract: A solar cell is discussed. The solar cell according to an embodiment includes a photoelectric conversion unit including a first conductive type region and a second conductive type region formed on the same side of the photoelectric conversion unit; and an electrode formed on the photoelectric conversion unit and including an adhesive layer formed on the photoelectric conversion unit and an electrode layer formed on the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the photoelectric conversion unit and is less than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the electrode layer.

Abstract: Novel photoactive polymers, as well as related photovoltaic cells, articles, systems, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A beverage maker comprises a reservoir for holding a variable volume of a fluid, a pump or hot water generator for pumping the fluid out of the reservoir, a fluid-level sensor, and a controller operatively connected to the pump and the sensor. The controller is configured for determining, in conjunction with the sensor, a level of fluid in the reservoir at an initial time. The controller is further configured for causing the pump or hot water generator to operate for any one of a plurality of different amounts of time to motivate a same volume of water, each of the plurality of different amounts of time corresponding to a different level of fluid in the reservoir at the initial time.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for mixing a first stream of a flow medium and a second stream of the flow medium, a temperature of the first and second streams being different. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one mixing apparatus configured as a blade-free fan, including at least one opening and a Coanda surface arranged in the region of the at least one opening. During operation, the first stream emerges from the at least one opening and can be steered by the Coanda surface, wherein the second stream flows in the region of the at least one opening, and wherein the first stream, following the emergence thereof from the at least one opening, is mixable with the second stream. The apparatus also includes a first infeed for the first stream and a second infeed for the second stream, first and second infeeds being configured as a double-walled tube.

Abstract: A cap for a vessel has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A first fluid passageway extends from the first side to the second side through the cap; and a second fluid passageway also extends from the first side to the second side through the cap. At least a portion of the second fluid passageway surrounds a portion of the first fluid passageway.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable pressure hose can be constructed comprising an input connector, an output connector, an elastic inner hose, an outer cover, and one or more portions of the elastic inner hose engaged with the outer cover and disposed between the first and second ends of the hose. In such a hose, the input connector and output connector can be connected to each end of elastic inner hose and outer cover.

Abstract: A valve with a valve body in which is rotatably mounted a valve member, the valve member having therein a ball check for selectively preventing fluid flow through the valve. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for processing a wafer are provided. A method for processing a wafer includes creating an exhaust flow in a fluid conduit assembly that is connected to a process module used for processing the wafer. The method also includes detecting the exhaust pressure in the fluid conduit assembly. The method further includes determining whether the exhaust pressure meets a set point. In addition, the method includes regulating the exhaust flow if the exhaust pressure fails to meet the set point.

Abstract: A nacelle inlet is provided for a turbo-fan engine for an aircraft. The nacelle inlet includes a lip skin having first and second pad-ups, an inner barrel including a forward flange and a bulkhead. The bulkhead, the lip skin and the inner barrel are attached together at mating surfaces. The bulkhead and the lip skin are attached together at mating surfaces. Each mating surface defines a surface geometry which approximates a developable surface having parallel ruling lines. The developable surfaces are formed by machining.

Abstract: In a method for operating a tank device of a motor vehicle, with the tank device having a tank and a tank ventilation device with at least one switching valve, an excitation current can be applied to the switching valve, and the switching valve opens only when the excitation current exceeds an excitation current threshold over a certain period of time. Provision is hereby made to apply an excitation current which is greater than the excitation current threshold, at least temporarily, in a first mode of operation to the switching valve for heating purposes, also when ventilation of the tank is not governed by a control unit of the tank device.

Abstract: Powder and deposition control in a throttle valve includes nozzle inserts in the valve body that form annular plenums and annular nozzles for injecting annular flows of cleaning gas adjacent to the inside wall surface of the valve body for cleaning powders and depositions off surfaces in the valve body and off the closure member of the throttle valve. The annular flows of cleaning gas can be in intermittent, periodic, or in pulsed bursts or at a steady-state flow rates to dislodge powder particles stuck to the inside surface of the throttle valve, to etch or reactively clean solid deposits, or to prevent or minimize build-up of powder particles or solid deposits in the throttle valve.

Abstract: A device and method for inserting a tool into a pipeline transporting a fluid. The device includes a housing that is attachable to a vertical fitting applied on the pipeline, and a launch tube supported by the housing and including a tool passageway through which a tool is fed. The launch tube moves relative to the housing to raise and lower a shoe at an end of the launch tube into the pipeline. The shoe is and adapted to insert a tool into the pipeline at an angle to the launch tube.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

Abstract: An auto flow steam trap has a hollow main casing having an inlet channel and an outlet channel, a float assembly mounted in the main casing, and a non-return valve assembly. With the non-return valve assembly mounted in the outlet channel of the main casing, the auto flow steam trap only needs one non-return valve assembly to control allowing the condensate to flow out of the main casing or not. Thus, the auto flow steam trap has advantages such as simple structure and low failure rate, easy assembling, and so on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vent valve with a vent opening for venting a liquid tank in a motor vehicle, with a float in a float chamber for closing the vent opening; and a plurality of guide ribs for guiding the float in the float chamber, which guide ribs are formed by a housing of the float chamber and protrude into the interior of the float chamber.

Abstract: A yard hydrant, including a discharge nozzle above ground level, connects to other vertically reciprocal working parts in the ground below the frost line. A water storage chamber, disposed below the frost line, is formed in part by a deformable diaphragm. Residual water in the hydrant, when the hydrant is turned off, is collected in the water storage chamber and returned to the hydrant for discharge through the nozzle when the hydrant is turned on. A venturi disposed in the water supply line creates turbulence and thereby creates a lower pressure adjacent the exit of the venturi when the hydrant is turned on. This lowered pressure at the venturi exit speeds up the evacuation of water from the water storage chamber when the hydrant is on so the storage chamber can accept and store water that would otherwise be above the frost line when the hydrant is turned off.

Abstract: An automatic drainage device with a level controller is provided with a tank, a level detection member 3, an isolation layer, and a control unit. The tank has a water storage space. The level detection member is fixed to the tank and includes a fixing portion to be fixed to the tank, and a detection portion connected to the fixing portion and disposed in the water storage space. The detection portion includes a first detection section connected to the fixing portion, and a second detection section connected to the first detection section. The isolation layer is coated on the first detection section of the detection member. The control unit is electrically connected to the level detection member. The automatic drainage device is capable of reducing the possibility of wrong determination of water level.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic control valve assembly for use in a pilot-operated hydraulic control system comprises, in one embodiment, a control valve including a valve body defining a main flow passage from an inlet on a high pressure side of the control valve to an outlet on a low pressure side of the control valve, a valve member arranged in the flow passage and separating the high pressure side from the low pressure side, a control chamber comprising means for hydraulic actuation of the valve member by applying a control pressure to the control chamber so as to position the valve member between an open position and a closed position thereby adjusting a main flow through the main flow passage in response to the control pressure, a feed port for feeding fluid to the control chamber to increase the control pressure therein, a bleed port for bleeding fluid from the control chamber to decrease the control pressure therein, and a valve bonnet closing the control chamber.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring and controlling the open and close states of a manifold diaphragm type valve includes using an actuator mechanism with feedback control. A pressure transducer and/or force gauge located on the contact end of the actuator mechanism monitors the pressure and/or force applied to the end of the actuator mechanism. A controller instructs the actuator mechanism to move forward or backward an appropriate distance based on the monitored pressure and/or force. Temperature and pressure changes in the system and material changes to the diaphragm are sensed immediately and positioning correction is applied to the actuator in real-time, thereby maintaining the same valve state while monitoring pressure separately. The linear actuator functions as a ‘smart’ actuator, capable of fine tune adjustments without additional outside monitoring and providing a more accurate and reliable method of closing the valve in a dynamic environment.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve with an annular seal installed therein. The annular seal includes an inner sealing member formed with an annular channel with an open end that faces downwards. The inner sealing member and the annular channel define an annular flap with an outer wall, which is an inner wall of the annular channel. A floating member is arranged to float up and rise with a water level present in a portion of the valve and press against the annular seal.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a static back pressure regulator. In exemplary embodiments, the static back pressure regulator includes a seat that defines part of a fluid pathway, a poppet, a spring arranged to bias the poppet toward the seat to restrict fluid flow through the fluid pathway, and a calibration element configured to adjust a force applied to the poppet by the spring. The calibration element can include a through hole that forms part of the fluid pathway. The poppet can include a first guiding portion that extends into the through hole of the calibration element and inhibits tipping of the poppet relative to the seat.

Abstract: A drainage device for a wall-mounted washing machine includes a drain housing having an inlet at an upper side of a body, a valve wall in the body, a drain and a cap receiver at a lower side of the body opposite to the inlet relative to the valve wall, and a driving unit or actuator receiver on the valve wall, a cap on the cap receiver configured to collect foreign materials; and a driving unit or actuator in the driving unit or actuator receiver, configured to open and close the valve wall. As a result, the user cannot come in contact with the inlet, thereby preventing accidents or burns from components in or near the inlet, such as a heater.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a sleeve which is a hollowed tubular shape, a valve member which is disposed in the sleeve, and a filter. The sleeve includes a ring-shaped groove in an outer wall of the sleeve and a port penetrating the sleeve from a bottom surface of the ring-shaped groove. The valve member opens and closes the port. The filter is wound around the bottom surface. The filter is formed by a belt-shaped member which is wound as a ring shape such that a first end part of the belt-shaped member overlaps a second end part of the belt-shaped member. The belt-shaped member includes the first end part, the second end part, and an intermediate part. The intermediate part is disposed between the first end part and the second end part. The second end part and the intermediate part include a meshed part. The first end part includes a release portion corresponding to an opening having an opening area greater than an opening area of a sieve opening of the meshed part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal capacitance-type touch inductive switch assembly for a faucet, comprising: an adjustable locking component, which is formed by a conductive metallic material and is locked to a faucet spout; a control circuit board, which is provided with a capacitance-type touch unit, wherein touch electrodes of said capacitance-type touch unit are connected with said adjustable locking component through a touch circuit; a solenoid valve, which is arranged in a water supply line of the faucet, wherein said control circuit board controls opening and closing of said solenoid valve according to a touch signal from the capacitance-type touch unit; and a power supply module, which supplies power to said control circuit board and said solenoid valve. The switch assembly of the present invention can be installed in a manner compatible with all existing metal faucets.

Abstract: A valve is provided with multiple ports joining multiple fluid conduits leading between fluid sources and fluid destinations. A central hub manifold or other control element resides within a body supporting the ports, and can rotate relative to the valve body. Fluid flow paths within the central hub or other control element are selectively aligned or not aligned with the ports. The valve indicates which ports are open or closed by providing unique marks adjacent the ports corresponding with being open or closed. When the positive marks are visible, such as through windows in a rotating structure fixed to the central hub or other control element, the corresponding ports are open. When the negative marks are visible, such as through other windows in the rotating structure, the corresponding ports are closed.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining whether a valve is fully opened or closed. In one embodiment a valve position translator includes a cam tube and a rod. The cam tube has a cylindrical wall. A first slot in the wall is disposed along a radial arc of the tube. A second slot in the wall extends from an end of the first slot at an angle acute to the first slot. The rod extends through the wall, and rotates the cam tube while moving linearly along the cam tube in the second slot and while moving in an arc in the first slot.

Abstract: A cover of a fuel supply module is adapted to disable a flow path through a designated port. An element is press-fit into the designated port to plug the designated port, and thermoplastic material is molded over an interface defined between the element and the designated port.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system including an extending channel, at least two fluid inlet ports in fluid connection with the extending channel, at least one outlet port in fluid connection with the extending position between the two fluid inlet ports and a sealing member in sealing engagement with the extending channel is described. The sealing member may be movable within the extending channel to adjust the volumetric ratio of the two fluids delivered through the outlet port.

Abstract: A fluid-connecting element with a first receiving space with a first connecting element and a first displaceable valve element, and a second receiving space with a second connecting element and a second displaceable valve element. A fluid connection between the first receiving space and the first connecting element being interrupted by the first valve element in the first position, and a fluid connection between the first receiving space and the first connecting element being opened by the first valve element in the second position. The second valve element is displaceable between two positions, wherein a fluid connection between the second receiving space and the second connecting element is interrupted by the second valve element in the first position, and a fluid connection between the second receiving space and the second connecting element is opened by the second valve element in the second position.

Abstract: A control valve (4) for controlling pressure medium flows of a camshaft adjuster which includes a substantially hollow cylindrical valve housing (6), a control piston (12), which is guided axially displaceably inside the valve housing (6), and a non-return valve (22) which can be hydraulically released. In a region of a pressure medium inlet, the valve housing (6) includes a housing shaft (28) with an axial inflow bore (30) which widens in funnel-like manner towards the inlet side.

Abstract: An electronic expansion valve is provided, a sleeve is fixed in a main valve cavity of the electronic expansion valve, and a valve core seat is axially movably provided in the sleeve; a circumferential side wall of the sleeve is provided with a sleeve flow passage, and a circumferential side wall of the valve core seat is provided with a valve core seat side hole; and when the refrigerant flows forward, the valve core seat closes the main valve port to disconnect a communication between the sleeve flow passage and the valve core seat side hole, and the refrigerant flows to the valve core valve port through the sleeve flow passage; and when the refrigerant flows reversely, the valve core seat moves upward to open the main valve port to communicate the valve core seat side hole with the sleeve flow passage

Abstract: The present disclosure provides air-tight mechanical valves. In a general embodiment, the valves include a shaft and a segmented sleeve. The shaft includes a plurality of shaft ports distributed around a circumference of the shaft. The sleeve is configured to fit concentrically around the shaft and includes a body having at least two body pieces, at least one internal seal, and at least one set of a plurality of sleeve ports distributed around a circumference of the body. The plurality of sleeve ports cooperates with the plurality of shaft ports to facilitate fluid flow. The valves of the present disclosure advantageously reduce losses of pressure and compressed air during use.

Abstract: A control valve (4) for controlling pressure medium flows of a camshaft adjuster, which control valve includes a substantially hollow cylindrical control sleeve (6), which is disposed inside a casing (8), and a control piston (12) which is guided axially displaceably inside the control sleeve (6) against the spring force of a spring element (14), the control sleeve (6) having at one axial end a base (22) which serves as an axial contact surface for the spring element (14).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to bias spool valves using supply pressure are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing of a spool valve, the housing including a first port to receive a fluid at a supply pressure. The example apparatus further includes a spool within the housing. A position of the spool is to be selectively controlled via an input force acting on the spool, the position of the spool to define a path of a flow of the fluid through the spool valve from the first port to a second port of the housing. A biasing force is to bias the spool opposite the input force, the biasing force to be generated from the supply pressure applied to an end of the spool.

Abstract: A rotary shear valve having three-point stator seating is provided. Three contact points are predetermined between a bottom of the stator and a valve body rim and three clamping pads may also be predetermined. The three clamping pads and the three points of contact between stator and the valve body rim are corresponding and aligned when the rotary shear valve is assembled so that the clamping or compression forces on both sides of the stator directly oppose one another, thereby effectively canceling each other. In one embodiment, the stator includes three contact points on the bottom surface proximate the periphery of the stator to contact the valve rim and a gasket includes three clamping pads proximate the periphery of the gasket web to apply a compression force on the top surface of the stator above the three contact points.

Abstract: A biasing force adjustment device includes: a cylindrical component having a first thread part; a reciprocate component accommodated in the cylindrical component; a biasing portion that biases the reciprocate component in a first direction; and a biasing force adjustment component that adjusts a biasing force of the biasing portion. The biasing force adjustment component has a second thread part engaged with the first thread part so as to control the position of the biasing force adjustment component relative to the cylindrical component, and a regulation part that regulates movement of the biasing force adjustment component relative to the cylindrical component by being deformed in a radial direction by external force applied in the first direction.